Launcher with adjustable-tension elastic bands



W. E. SW ETT LAUNCHER WITH ADJUSTABLE-TENSION ELASTIC BANDS Filed Aug. 5, 1965 4 Sheets$heet 1 Fly. 2

QMQW 5? M I NVENTOR.

Dec. 10, 1968 w. E. SWETT 3,415,239

LAUNCHER WITH ADJUSTABLE-TENSION ELASTIC BANDS Filed Aug. 5, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 I N VENTOR.

Dec. 10, 1968 w. E. SWETT 3,415,239

' LAUNCHER WITH ADJUSTABLETENS ION ELASTIC BANDS Filed Aug. 5, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

Dec. 10, 1968 w. E. SWETT 3,415,239

LAUNCHER WITH ADJUSTABLE-TENSION ELASTIC BANDS Filed Aug. 5, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 United States Patent 3,415,239 LAUNCHER WITH ADJUSTABLE-TENSION ELASTIC BANDS William E. Swctt, P.0. Box D, Imlay, Nev. 89418 Filed Aug. 5, 1965, Ser. No. 477,407 2 Claims. (Cl. 12420) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to a slingshot that is readily usable for projecting arrow-like missiles and shot missiles with extreme accuracy. The slingshot also provides for anchoring the ends of the elastic bands at different positions on the body of the slingshot so that different tensions may be obtained as desired by the operator. The slingshot also provides an adjustable rest for guiding the projectile when the slingshot is used for spear-like objects.

This invention relates to the general class of weapons known as slingshots and more particularly to a magnum slingshot.

An object of the invention is the provision of a novel magnum slingshot that is capable of catapulting arrows, spears, darts, grenades, shot and pebbles or small rocks, as desired by the user.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a novel device for throwing elongated objects, such as spears and the like or round objects, such as rocks or shot, that is reliable, that is rugged and sturdy, that is readily portable and quickly used and that is inexpensive to produce.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a novel device of the slingshot type that permits anchoring the elastic members used for powering the device in such a manner that the user may adjust the tension in the elastic members, depending on the object thrown and the distance it is desired to throw the object.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a magnum slingshot embodying the present invention, having a shot missile in the launch position.

FIGURE 2 is a top view of the magnum slingshot shown in FIGURE 1 with an arrow in launch position.

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary top view similar to FIG- URE 2 showing how the elastic bands may be looped about the slingshot to permit the user to adjust the tension in the elastic bands as desired.

FIGURE 4 is a side view of FIGURE 1 with the arrow and elastic bands removed to show the details of construction.

FIGURE 5 is a side view of a modified form of the invention with a spear placed on the body in a pre-launching position.

FIGURE 6 is a view of the construction shown in FIG- URE 5 taken along the section line 6-6.

FIGURE 7 is an end view of a modified form of the invention showing an adjustable arrow-like-object support.

FIGURE 8 is a top view of FIGURE 7.

FIGURE 9 is an end view of another modification of the invention.

FIGURE 10 is a top view of a modified form of a missile pad.

FIGURE 11 is a fragmentary top view of another modified form of a missile pad and means for securing the elastic bands in the slingshot.

FIGURE 12 is a top view of an arrow-like object showing modification in the tail portion of the shaft.

Referring now to the drawings, the invention is shown embodied in a slingshot type of weapon designated herein as a magnum slingshot. In general the magnum slingshot comprises a body 10, a pistol grip handle 11 on the underside of the body for readily holding and supporting the magnum slingshot in one hand, a pair of spaced arms 12 and 13 at one end of the body, and a missile or shot pocket or pad 14 for permitting the user to grasp a missile 15 to be launched between his fingers, and bands 16 and 17 forming an elastic connection between the arms 12 and 13 and the missile pocket 14 for supplying the power to catapult the object being thrown. The embodiment shown in FIGURES 1-9 may be used for catapulting small arrow-like objects as well as solid missiles 15 such as large shot, or pebbles, or small rocks.

To insure a support and guide for the arrow-like object 20, the upper surface of the body 10 is formed with a groove 18 or channel having a generally U-shaped crosssection (See FIGURE 6). The groove 18 extends the full length of the body 10 and guides the arrow-like object 20 as it is launched from the magnum slingshot. This assures a straight line of flight throughout the trajectory of the thrown missile.

The arms 12 and 13 may be of any suitable size and shape and are located adjacent the front end of the magnum slingshot. In this instance the arms 12 and 13 are secured to the body by glue and project upwardly from the body 10 on both sides of the body. The spacing between the arms 12 and 13 should be such as to permit the passage of an arrow-like object or rounded rock or shot of the size normally shot in slingshots. It is to be understood that if larger missiles are intended to be thrown that the spacing would be adjusted to accommodate the missile being used. As shown herein, the arm 12 is formed with an upwardly facing slot 21 adapted to receive an anchor end 22 of the elastic band 16. The slot 21, as shown, is at right angles to the axis of the groove 18 and is just wide enough to receive the band 16, the tighter the fit the better. A convenient way to secure the band 16 in position is to place the band in the slot 21 so that the extreme end portion 22 extends beyond the arm 12. A piece of string 23 is then tied about the end of the band to form an enlargement on the extreme end of the band that can not be pulled through the slot 21 when a horizontal pulling force is exerted. The arm 13 is formed with an upwardly facing slot 24 to receive the anchored end 26 of the elastic band 17. In general the same method that is used to secure the band 16 to the arm 12 is used to secure the band 17 to the arm 13, that is by tying a piece of string about the end portion of the band 17 extending beyond the arm 13 to create an enlargement that prevents pulling the band 17 through the slot 24.

This construction also permits the bands 16 and 17 to be looped about the upright arms 12 and 13, respectively, (see FIGURE 3) to shorten or lengthen the bands 16 and 17 as desired by the user, depending on the pull or force required to launch the desired object.

As shown, arm 12 is also formed with a downwardly facing slot 30 and the arm 13 is formed with a downwardly facing slot 35. The slots 30 and are shaped to receive the bands 16 and 17, respectively, as in the case of slots 21 and 24. This construction permits the force of the bands to be directed in a line closer to the bottom of the groove 18 as might be desired when an arrow-like object is launched.

The missile pocket 14 may be of any conventional construction, such as a one-piece construction, or a plurality of parts operatively associated together. Preferably it should be sufficiently long to allow the user to get a good grasp on the object being shot from the magnum slingshot. As shown herein, one end of the pocket 14 is secured to the band 16 as by a string 27 tied to the end of the band 16. The string also passes through an opening 28 in the pocket 14 and the string is tied in a knot to secure the pocket 14 and elastic band 16 together. The elastic band 17 is secured to the other end of the pocket 14 in a similar manner as by a string 29 tied to the end of the band 17 and passing through an opening 31 in the pocket 14 and then tied on itself, to secure the pocket and band 17 in operative association.

As can be seen, the body 10, the pistol grip handle 11 and the arms 12 and 13 can be formed from wood, plastic, metal or other suitable material as separate parts secured together in a suitable manner such as by glue or threading the parts together, or the entire unit can be formed as a unitary structure depending on the desires of the user and the producer. This permits the manufacturer to use the least expensive way of producing the device.

The operation of the unit is readily apparent but may be briefly summarized as follows:

Normally the user grasps the pistol grip handle 11 in one hand and places the missile between the arms 12 and 13 so as to rest in the groove 18. The operator then places the missile pocket 14 about the end of the missile, in case of an arrow-like object, or around the missile, in case of shot or rock, and then grasps the outside of the pocket 14 with the missile-like object in the pocket and applies force to stretch the elastic bands 16 and 17. When it is desired to launch the missile, the operator releases the force holding the pocket 14 and the missile is thrown through the arms 12 and 13 in the manner of a slingshot. During this period of time, if an arrow-like object is utilized, the groove 18 provides a guide or support for guiding the arrow in much the same manner as the bore of a rifle serves to guide a rifle bullet through the rifle. If it is desired to increase the power of the elastic bands, the bands may be looped around the arms 12 and 13 as shown in FIGURE 3, thereby shortening the bands 16 and 17 but allowing the operator to pull the bands back farther and thereby to increase the force used in catapulting the missile.

The embodiment shown in FIGURES S and 6 is a modification of the magnum slingshot. In this embodiment the magnum slingshot comprises a body 32, pistol grip handle 33 on the underside of the body, the arms 34, elastic bands 35 (only one of which is shown) and a missile patch 37. In this embodiment there is shown an extension 38 on the forward end of the magnum slingshot body 32. As shown, the extension 38 has a groove 39 formed on its upper surface which is a continuation of the groove 18 on the body 32. This extension is useful in that a longer arrow-shaped object, such as a spear 70, may be launched from the magnum slingshot. Also, in the case of shorter arrow-like objects, the groove forms a longer guide for the objects, thereby assuring greater accuracy in the trajectory of the missile being thrown.

FIGURES 7 and 8 show another modification of the magnum slingshot. In this embodiment the magnum slingshot includes a body 40, a guide groove. 72, pistol grip handle 41, arms 42 and 43. The elastic bands and missile pocket are not shown for purposes of simplification. In this embodiment provision is made for an arrow rest between the arms 42 and 43. To this end a crosspiece 44 is mounted between the arms 42 and 43 to be moved between different elevations above the bottom of the groove 72. One method of accomplishing this is to form vertical extending grooves 45 and 46 in the arms 42 and 43, respectively. These grooves face each other as shown. The cross member is formed in two portions 47 and 48. The members 47 and 48 are adapted to telescope within the crosspiece 49. The extreme end 49 of the member 47 is received in the groove 45, and the extreme end 51 of the member 48 is received in the groove 45. A compression spring 52 is disposed in a recess between the members 47 and 48 urging the members apart and serves to hold the crosspiece 44 in a desired adjusted position above the bottom of the groove 22. It can readily be seen that the crosspiece 44 may easily be moved up and down by simply compressing the two members 47 and 48 and then moving the crosspiece 44 to the desired position and releasing the clamping pressure from members 47 and 48. The spring 52 urges the ends 49 and 51 into their respective grooves. This is a simple and easy way of providing for an arrow rest between the arms. It is to be understood that lever mechanisms could also be used to elevate crosspieees, and that other means could be used to form the arrow rest.

FIG. 9 shows still another modification of this invention. This embodiment includes the body 60, the pistol grip handle 61 and arms 62 and 63. The elastic bands and missile pocket have been omitted for purposes of clarifying the drawings. In this instance the body is provided with threaded recesses 64 and 65 on the upper surface and with threaded recesses 66 and 67 on the sides of the body 60. The arm 62 is provided with a threaded end 68 adapted to be received in the threaded recesses 66 or 64. In a similar manner the arm 63 is provided with a threaded end 70 adapted to be received in the threaded recesses 65 or 67. The arm 62 is provided with a slot 69 for receiving an elastic band, and the arm 63 is provided with a slot 71 for receiving an elastic band in the manner previously described herein. With this construction it is readily seen that the arms 62 and 63 may be mounted on the side of the body 60 or may be in a vertical position above the body. The threaded construction permits ready interchangability as desired by the operator. It is to be understood also that other constructions equally suitable could be used for changing the position of the arms.

FIGURES l0 and 11 show modifications of the missile pad or patch. Thus, in FIGURE 10 a patch is shown integrally formed with elastic bands 81 and 82. As can be seen, the patch 80 is of somewhat greater thickness than is the case with other patches shown. This construction insures less mechanical difliculties between the missile and the patch when the missile is being launched.

In FIGURE 11 a patch 85 is integrally formed with elastic bands 86 and 87, and the ends of the bands are formed with enlargements 88 and 89, respectively. As shown, the inside of the patch 85 is formed with a series of saw tooth edges 90 that produces a roughened surface to insure a better contact between the patch and the missile. The latter prevents slippage between the missile and the patch during the launching of a missile. The enlargements 88 and 89 are sufliciently large to prevent the pulling of the elastic bands 86 and 7 through the slots 21 and 24 of the arms 12 and 13 as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2.

FIGURE 12 shows a modification of a spear-like object. In this instance the spear includes a spearhead 96 of conventional construction and a shaft 97. The tail portion of the shaft 97 is formed with a knob 98 that is designed to be readily grasped in a missile patch 14. The knob 98 may be formed by an enlargement on the extreme tail portion of the shaft 97 or by reducing portions of the shaft 97 adjacent the tail of the shaft 97. It has been found that this construction gives the operator very good contact in handling a spear-like object during the launching operation.

This magnum. slingshot has many uses and advantages. For example, it could be used by the military to shoot all types of missiles (such as magnum high explosive balls, or fireballs, or grenades constructed along the lines of rifle grenades) with fair accuracy, into pillboxes and into the running gear of tanks. It could also be used to blast cars or trucks. The missiles can be thrown from open positions, trenches or moving cars. One extreme advantage is that any of the foregoing uses can be carried out silently without betraying the position of the operator, as is the case when other mechanical launchers are used with their attendant noise. This silent launching of a missile is very important under combat conditions.

The magnum slingshot is also designed for hunting large and small game, spearing fish, target shooting and for sport use with arrows, round metal balls, rocks, small pebbles and spears. It may be used for small arrows and other small and large missiles.

As can be seen, the magnum slingshot lends itself to ready construction, is a very rugged and sturdy unit and can be readily and easily used on a great variety of objects to be thrown. It is deadly, accurate and is very inexpensive to produce.

I claim:

1. In a missile launcher of the type described, the combination of an elongated body having a groove formed on its upper surface extending lengthwise of said body, a handle on the underside of said body adjacent one end, said 'body having spaced upwardly-facing recesses on opposite sides of said groove, said body also having spaced recesses facing outwardly from said groove and on opposite sides of said groove, said recesses all being threaded, arms having threaded ends adapted to be re ceived in either the recesses facing upwardly or outwardly from said body, elastic bands, means for securing said bands to said arms, missile shot pad, and means for securing said bands to said missile shot pad.

2. In a magnum slingshot device of the type described, the combination of a handle, an elongated body mounted on said handle, said body having a generally U-shaped groove formed on its upper surface extending lengthwise of the body, spaced arms at one end of said body on opposite sides of said groove, each of said arms having an upwardly facing slot and a downwardly facing slot, a missile pocket, a pair of elastic bands, one end of said bands being adapted to be received in either the upwardly facing slots or the downwardly facing slots at the option of a user and the other end of said bands being adjacent said missile pocket, means for connecting said other ends of said bands to said missile pocket, and means for anchoring said bands selectively in said upwardly facing slots or in said downwardly facing slots.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,845,920 2/1932 Jones 124-22 1,847,593 3/1932 Cameron 124-24 2,484,589 10/1949 Richards 273106.5 2,625,926 1/1953 Foster 12420 2,970,839 2/1961 Halverson 273-1065 2,645,217 7/1953 Fisher 124-20 RICHARD C. PINKHAM, Primary Examiner.

WILLIAM R. BROWNE, Assistant Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R. 

